After playing PE2 you might not be in a position to "thank" them, IMO, it's not nearly as good a game as the original. Buyer beware is the only advice I have for you, know what you're getting before you buy it.
Never finished it. Got to the mine before I gave up. Did not like it as much as the first, but would like to get through it before the third one releases.
This is exciting news. I will get to the first sometime, but it's good to know Square is releasing the sequel as well. Unlike some companies *cough* Nintendo *cough*.